Top Cat Quirks

Ten feline foibles that cats love to exhibit. See if yours is among them…

According to Animal Planet, all cats will, on occasions, indulge in behaviour that is at best a little out of the ordinary and at worst downright weird. So if you’ve ever spotted your cat doing something that made you think she was either possessed or displaying signs of a split personality, don’t worry: chances are it’s perfectly normal.

Here are the top 10 cat quirks. Do any of them sound familiar, or does your cat display even more unusual character traits? We’d love to hear from you…

Head-butting

Also known as bunting, head-butting is the way many cats like to greet their owners after a period of separation. This is both a sign of affection and a way for your cat to mark you as theirs. Cat foreheads contain scent glands that leave a recognisable aroma on anything they bunt.

Ankle-pouncing

Most cat owners have experienced this one: the cat lying in wait for an unsuspecting human to pass before pouncing on an ankle in an attempt to bring the person down. This is perfectly normal. Cats are predatory animals that need to hone their hunting skills. It just so happens they’re practising on you!

Curtain-climbing

Cats love leaping at hanging curtains or blind chords – a trait that purportedly dates back to prehistoric times. Tying up the curtains to remove temptation or, in more severe cases, declawing are options to counter this.

Kneading

Cats love to climb into a person’s lap and push their paws into your legs. This is a sure sign of catty contentment and affection. Enjoy it!

Hopping sideways

A favourite of kittens and one that’s sure to catch the unsuspecting owner unawares. Tell-tale signs that a sideways hop is coming include a fluffed-up tale and four taut legs. The cat then arches her back, turns its body sideways and pounces on its target.

Strange drinking habits

Cats are notorious for snubbing their water bowls, preferring instead to use a muddy puddle or even a toilet bowl (not to mention you happen to be drinking from) as a source of liquid refreshment.  Do not be alarmed by this. If your cat truly has a thirst to quench she will – eventually – make her way to her water bowl. Whether you’ll actually see her do it is another matter…

Scratching

Couches, carpets, doonas… you name it, your cat will probably want to scratch it. This is (rarely) due to malice but is an effective way of the cat cutting its own nails by removing the old sheath and exposing the new nail underneath. Cutting your cats nails for her is one possible solution, while installing a scratching post and a variety of toys are excellent alternatives.

Inquisitiveness

They say curiosity killed the cat, and there may even be some truth in the old cliché. Cats are inherently curious, which can lead to them – and you – getting into difficulties. Cat toys are a great way of tempering this urge.

Petrified presents

Cats are hunters. Cats are killers. And once your cat has hunted and killed, she will most likely present you with the proof as a display of affection. Smile sweetly, say thank you and then dispose hygienically is probably the best response. Remember, though, the Australian ecosystem is a delicate one, so do not allow your cat to disturb it by roaming indiscriminately to the detriment of native wildlife.

Purring

Less a quirk and more a fact of feline life, but purring is the ultimate sign of contentment. Purring is also thought to provide self-administered pain relief to an injured cat, as well as helping form a vital bond between a mother and her kittens.

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